HC Deb 28 November 1938 vol 342 cc34-5
66. Mr. Sorensen

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been drawn to the soiling by finger marks of some of the renovated doors of the House of Commons; whether he proposes to take any action in the matter; whether the air-raid precautions fittings in the lower corridor are to remain indefinitely; and whether, as formerly, the white painted corridor outside the lower refreshment room is to be partially carpeted?

Sir P. Sassoon

As the reply is rather long, I would propose, with the hon. Member's consent, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Sandys

Will the First Commissioner of Works consider holding a monthly private meeting where matters of domestic concern such as this can be dealt with without their taking up the time of Parliament?

Following is the reply:

I am aware that the oak doors show finger marks and I am having investigations made as to the best means of overcoming this defect. The doors to the air locks and the shutters will in due course be removed to store, but I am anxious before this is done that the staff who would be responsible for operating them in case of emergency should have some training in putting them in position. If the frames and side wings of the air locks were removed, their replacement in case of emergency would be a matter of much time, and it would be better, therefore, that they should remain in position. The corridor to which the hon. Member refers was formerly covered with linoleum. I considered that it would be preferable to remove the linoleum and have the flagstones cleaned.